Veterans prepare for 54th Never Forgotten Honor Flight

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – Ninety-eight veterans and their guardians prepared for the 54th Never Forgotten Honor Flight during an evening dinner and show with fellow veterans, guardians and family members.

Each veteran stood when their branch of service was called, singing their branch’s medley. Attendees also met the people they will be traveling to Washington, D.C. with.

“This night has been just tremendous. I can’t believe the amount of respect for the veterans that this organization gives. The food was great, the music was great. All and all, just a very good pre-flight send off for the guys,” said Erik Johnston, a guardian.

Father and son make the trip together

Erik Johnston is going as a guardian for his father, Bill Johnston. Erik said it took time to convince his father to participate, but Bill finally signed up and is looking forward to seeing the Vietnam Memorial for some personal reasons.

“To say goodbye to a lot of thoughts that have been in the back of our minds, for a long time,” Bill Johnston said. Bill is excited to meet new veterans and talk about things that are too often not addressed. He is also looking forward to seeing Arlington National Cemetery.

Veterans will arrive at the Central Wisconsin Airport around 5 a.m. Monday, October 27th.

NewsChannel 7’s Madison Maronde will join the flight and share the experiences of veterans on the ‘Arthur B. Riiser Memorial Flight.’

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